Persimmons are sweet and exotic fruits that are native to China. The fruit is used in many cultures, and thus have earned quite a number of monikers such as “Jove’s Fire,” “The Fruit of the Gods” and “Nature’s Candy.”

List of known nutrients

Persimmons are highly valued for their nutritional content. Nutrition-And-You.com has listed the important nutrients found in persimmons, which include:

Beta-Carotene

Calcium

Choline

Copper

Folates

Iron

Lutein

Lycopene

Magnesium

Manganese

Niacin

Phosphorus

Potassium

Pyridoxine

Riboflavin

Sodium

Thiamin

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Zeaxanthin

Zinc

Medicinal uses for persimmon

Persimmons are notably high in antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds that mitigate the negative effects of free radicals. Phenolic compounds found in persimmons — such as catechins and gallocatechins — are directly associated with lower risk of cancer onset. Aside from this, persimmons contain the anti-tumor compound betulinic acid. The compound is known to induce cancer cell death and prevent cancer cells from metastasizing.

Persimmons are also effective in keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay. The fruit is notably high in potassium, an essential mineral that induces vasodilation and promotes blood flow across the body. This in turn prevents cardiovascular strain and lowers blood pressure levels. On the other hand, the high copper content in persimmons are touted to boost red blood cell production. Increased red blood cell production means better cognitive function, muscle tone, metabolism, and energy levels.

Aside from these, the fruit’s high fiber content promotes satiety and curbs hunger pangs in patients with diabetes. Likewise, persimmons are touted to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. Additionally, the fruit is known to facilitate peristaltic motion and bolster the secretion of gastric and digestive juices, thus addressing digestive system issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and even colorectal cancer. On the other hand, the rich antioxidant levels in persimmons are known to detoxify the liver and improve the body’s overall health.

In addition, persimmons are notably high in B vitamin components — such as pyridoxine, folic acid, and thiamin — that bolster’s the body’s metabolic processes and maintains the healthy function of various systems in the body. The high fiber content in persimmons are also touted to induce weight loss. On a different note, the fruit’s diuretic effects may mitigate water retention and promote urination. However, the fruit’s rich potassium supply ensures that no essential mineral is lost during urination.

Moreover, the high vitamin C content in persimmons are known to fortify the body’s immune system. In fact, a single serving of persimmon contains about 80 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. The fruit is touted to stimulate white blood cell production, which in turn protects the body against infections. Persimmons are also known to contain anti-hemorrhagic properties that prevent excessive wound bleeding.

Furthermore, the fruit’s abundant vitamin A supply improves the eyesight, while its dietary carotenoids are touted to prevent the onset of vision-related disorders such as macular degeneration. The fruit also promotes skin and hair health.

Body systems supported by persimmon

Persimmons support the digestive, urinary, and immune systems. Likewise, the fruit benefits the circulatory system, and promotes eye health. Persimmons are also essential in maintaining healthy skin and hair.

Ways to use persimmon

Persimmons can be used in a variety of desserts, and are especially popular in baked goods such as pies, breads, cookies, and cakes. Persimmon can also be incorporated in various salad recipes. Other persimmon recipes include preserves, creams and smoothies. AllRecipes.com has curated some of the most interesting persimmon recipes across the web.